APC tightens grip on Senate as 4 PDP Senators defect

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) further solidified its dominance in the Senate on Wednesday as four lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally defected, raising the APC’s numbers in the Red Chamber to 72.

Those who defected are Senator Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Senator Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central).

To mark the significance of the defections, the Senate temporarily suspended its rules to allow high-ranking APC leaders into the chamber. Among those present were APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, Osun State APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, former Labour Minister Chris Ngige, and several members of the House of Representatives.

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The latest movement marks a sharp increase from the 50 seats held by the APC at the inception of the 10th Assembly in June 2023. The PDP, meanwhile, now holds just 26 seats, having steadily lost ground to defections from its ranks as well as from the Labour Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele welcomed the new members, describing the defections as a reflection of Nigeria’s maturing democracy.

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“For us, it is not just about the numbers,” he said. “We have a serious job ahead to ensure that members and stakeholders remain committed to the ideals of our party. We are doing everything possible to move Nigeria to the next level, and we do not take this momentum for granted.”

Observers say the growing numerical strength of the APC could have far-reaching implications for legislative dynamics, particularly as the 2027 general elections draw closer. The defections are also seen as a blow to the PDP, which continues to grapple with internal divisions and loss of influence in key regions.

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